Post-WWII Sentiment: Widespread desire to prevent future atrocities like those seen during the war.
United Nations Founded (1945):
Goals: Prevent atrocities, affirm human rights, promote dignity and worth, improve living standards.
Development of Human Rights Framework
UN Charter: Initial document affirming faith in human rights; further development needed.
Three-Year Process to create a common vision for human rights.
10th December 1948: Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the UN General Assembly.
Significance: First declaration of human rights by the international community; has the authority of the UN's collective opinion.
Key Rights in the UDHR
Fair and Public Hearing: Legal right to fair treatment in legal proceedings.
No Arbitrary Interference with Privacy: Protection against unwarranted invasion of privacy.
Freedom of Movement: Right to move freely within a country and to leave and return to one's country.
Right to Seek Asylum: Protection for those fleeing persecution.
Right to a Nationality: Everyone has the right to a nationality and cannot be arbitrarily deprived of it.
Right to Marry and Found a Family: Right to marry and raise a family.
Right to Property: Right to own property individually or collectively.
Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion: Right to hold and change beliefs.
Freedom of Opinion and Expression: Right to hold opinions and express them freely.
Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association: Right to gather and associate peacefully.
Right to Take Part in Government: Right to participate in one's government.
Right to Work: Right to work and to pursue employment of choice.
Right to Rest and Leisure: Right to reasonable working hours and holidays.
Right to Standard of Living: Adequate food, clothing, housing, medical care, and social services.
Right to Education: Access to education.
Right to Participate in Cultural Life: Engage in cultural, artistic, and scientific life.
Universality of Human Rights
Non-Specific to Countries: Rights are for everyone, regardless of nationality, race, or social group.
Inclusivity: Apply to people of all colors, races, ethnic groups, abilities, citizenship status, sex, class, caste, creed, age, and sexual orientation.
Impact and Significance
Inspired Human Rights Instruments: Numerous legal frameworks now constitute international human rights law.
International Bodies for Protection: Creation of various mechanisms to protect human rights.
Support for Decolonization: Principles aided countries in achieving independence and enshrining rights in their constitutions.
Guidance for Human Rights Defenders: The declaration serves as a guiding document for activists worldwide.
Guinness World Record: Most translated document in the world.
Human Rights Day: Celebrated on 10th December annually.
Daily Relevance of Human Rights
Small Places Close to Home: The everyday environments where people live, work, and learn are crucial for the realization of human rights.
Citizen Action: Collective effort is needed to uphold and protect rights locally to ensure they have meaning globally.